
9 minute read
How Much Traders Earn in India Per Day: A Comprehensive Guide
from Exness
by Exness Blog
The Indian trading landscape has exploded in recent years, with millions of individuals diving into stock markets, forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. From young professionals to seasoned investors, trading has become a lucrative avenue for many to supplement their income or even build a full-time career. But the burning question remains: how much do traders earn in India per day?
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This article explores the daily earnings of traders in India, diving into the factors that influence their income, the types of trading, risks involved, and strategies to maximize profits. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trader, this guide will provide clarity on what to expect and how to navigate the dynamic world of trading.
Understanding Trading in India
Trading in India encompasses various financial markets, including:
· Stock Trading: Buying and selling shares of companies listed on exchanges like the National Stock Exchange (NSE) or Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
· Forex Trading: Trading foreign currencies in the global forex market.
· Commodity Trading: Dealing in commodities like gold, silver, oil, or agricultural products through exchanges like the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX).
· Cryptocurrency Trading: Trading digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
· Derivatives Trading: Engaging in futures and options contracts based on underlying assets.
Each type of trading has its own risk-reward profile, influencing how much a trader can earn daily. Earnings depend on factors like capital, experience, strategy, market conditions, and risk management.
Factors Influencing Traders’ Daily Earnings
Before diving into numbers, let’s explore the key factors that determine how much traders in India earn per day:
1. Trading Capital
The amount of money a trader invests significantly impacts their earnings. For example, a trader with ₹1 lakh in capital might earn a small percentage daily, while someone with ₹10 lakhs could generate higher absolute returns, even with the same percentage gains.
2. Trading Style
Traders adopt different styles, each with varying earning potential:
· Day Trading: Buying and selling within the same trading day. Day traders aim for small, frequent profits, often earning ₹500–₹10,000 daily, depending on capital and market conditions.
· Swing Trading: Holding positions for days or weeks, targeting larger price movements. Daily earnings may vary widely.
· Scalping: Making quick trades to capture small price movements, potentially earning ₹1,000–₹20,000 daily for experienced traders.
· Positional Trading: Holding positions for weeks or months, where daily earnings are less relevant but can be substantial over time.
3. Experience and Skill
Beginner traders often face losses due to a lack of knowledge, while experienced traders with refined strategies can consistently earn profits. Skilled traders may achieve 1–3% daily returns on their capital, while novices might struggle to break even.
4. Market Volatility
Indian markets, like the NSE and BSE, are influenced by global events, economic data, and corporate earnings. High volatility can lead to larger profits (or losses), while stable markets may limit opportunities for day traders.
5. Risk Management
Successful traders use stop-loss orders, position sizing, and risk-reward ratios to protect their capital. Poor risk management can wipe out earnings, while disciplined traders can achieve steady gains.
6. Brokerage and Taxes
Trading costs, such as brokerage fees, Securities Transaction Tax (STT), and capital gains tax, reduce net earnings. For example, a ₹1,000 profit might shrink to ₹800 after costs.
How Much Do Traders Earn in India Per Day?
Estimating daily earnings is tricky because trading outcomes vary widely. Below, we break down potential earnings based on trader types, capital, and strategies.
1. Beginner Traders
Beginners typically start with small capital (₹10,000–₹1 lakh) and limited experience. They often focus on stocks or options trading. On average:
· Daily Earnings: ₹100–₹1,000 (0.5–1% of capital).
· Challenges: Beginners may face losses due to emotional trading, lack of strategy, or over-leveraging.
· Example: A beginner with ₹50,000 capital might aim for 1% daily returns, earning ₹500 on a good day. However, losses are common in the early stages.
2. Intermediate Traders
Intermediate traders have 1–3 years of experience, larger capital (₹1 lakh–₹10 lakhs), and a better grasp of technical analysis and risk management.
· Daily Earnings: ₹1,000–₹10,000 (1–2% of capital).
· Strategies: They use technical indicators (like moving averages or RSI), chart patterns, and disciplined risk management.
· Example: A trader with ₹5 lakhs might earn ₹5,000–₹10,000 on a profitable day, assuming a 1–2% return. However, losses on bad days can offset gains.
3. Professional Traders
Professional traders, with years of experience and significant capital (₹10 lakhs–₹1 crore or more), often trade full-time. They may diversify across stocks, derivatives, or forex.
· Daily Earnings: ₹10,000–₹1 lakh+ (1–3% of capital or higher during volatile markets).
· Strategies: Professionals use advanced tools like algorithmic trading, arbitrage, or hedging to maximize returns.
· Example: A trader with ₹50 lakhs might earn ₹50,000–₹1 lakh on a highly profitable day, especially in volatile markets or with leveraged positions.
4. Part-Time Traders
Many Indians trade part-time alongside jobs. With limited time and capital (₹50,000–₹5 lakhs), they often focus on swing trading or low-risk strategies.
· Daily Earnings: ₹500–₹5,000, depending on capital and time commitment.
· Example: A part-time trader with ₹2 lakhs might earn ₹2,000 on a good day by swing trading stocks like Reliance or HDFC Bank.
5. Algo Traders
Algorithmic trading, where trades are executed automatically based on pre-set rules, is gaining popularity in India. Algo traders with sophisticated systems and high capital can earn substantial profits.
· Daily Earnings: ₹10,000–₹2 lakhs+, depending on the system’s efficiency and market conditions.
· Example: An algo trader with ₹1 crore in capital might generate ₹50,000–₹1 lakh daily during favorable market conditions.

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Real-Life Examples of Trader Earnings in India
To provide a clearer picture, let’s look at hypothetical yet realistic scenarios:
· Ravi, the Day Trader
· Capital: ₹2 lakhs
· Strategy: Intraday trading in Nifty 50 stocks
· Daily Profit Target: 1–2% (₹2,000–₹4,000)
· Reality: Ravi earns ₹3,000 on average but loses ₹2,000 on bad days. After brokerage and taxes, his net daily profit is around ₹2,000–₹2,500 on good days.
· Priya, the Swing Trader
· Capital: ₹10 lakhs
· Strategy: Swing trading mid-cap stocks
· Daily Profit Target: Not fixed, but weekly gains of 3–5%
· Reality: Priya’s trades may not yield daily profits, but she averages ₹10,000–₹15,000 weekly, translating to ₹2,000–₹3,000 per day.
· Amit, the Professional Trader
· Capital: ₹50 lakhs
· Strategy: Options trading and hedging
· Daily Profit Target: 2–3% (₹1 lakh–₹1.5 lakhs)
· Reality: Amit’s disciplined approach yields ₹50,000–₹1 lakh on volatile days, but he also faces substantial losses during market corrections.
Risks That Impact Earnings
Trading is not a guaranteed path to wealth. Here are the risks that can reduce or eliminate daily earnings:
· Market Risk: Sudden market crashes or unexpected news can lead to losses.
· Leverage Risk: Using borrowed funds (margin) amplifies both profits and losses.
· Emotional Trading: Fear or greed can lead to poor decisions, like chasing losses or overtrading.
· Liquidity Risk: Some stocks or assets may be hard to sell, impacting profitability.
· Regulatory Changes: Changes in SEBI regulations or tax policies can affect trading costs and strategies.
On average, 70–80% of retail traders in India lose money, especially beginners, due to these risks. Successful traders mitigate them through education, discipline, and diversification.
How to Maximize Daily Trading Earnings in India
To increase your daily earnings as a trader, follow these tips:
· Educate Yourself: Learn technical analysis, fundamental analysis, and market psychology. Resources like Zerodha Varsity, NSE Academy, or YouTube channels by Indian traders (e.g., Trading with Sidhant) are excellent starting points.
· Start Small: Begin with a small capital to minimize risk while learning. Gradually scale up as you gain confidence.
· Use Risk Management: Set stop-loss orders, limit position sizes to 1–2% of capital per trade, and maintain a risk-reward ratio of at least 1:2.
· Choose the Right Broker: Opt for low-cost brokers like Zerodha, Upstox, or Groww to reduce fees. Compare brokerage charges and platform features.
· Practice Discipline: Stick to a trading plan, avoid overtrading, and don’t let emotions drive your decisions.
· Leverage Technology: Use charting tools (e.g., TradingView), algo trading platforms, or mobile apps for real-time market analysis.
· Stay Updated: Follow market news, RBI announcements, and global events to anticipate volatility.
· Diversify: Trade across asset classes (stocks, forex, commodities) to spread risk and capitalize on different opportunities.
Tools and Platforms for Indian Traders
To succeed, traders need reliable tools and platforms. Here are some popular options in India:
· Trading Platforms: Zerodha Kite, Upstox Pro, Angel One, Sharekhan TradeTiger.
· Charting Tools: TradingView, MetaTrader 4 (for forex), or broker-provided charting tools.
· News Sources: Moneycontrol, Economic Times, Bloomberg Quint.
· Algo Trading: Streak (by Zerodha), Tradetron, or custom-built algorithms.
These tools help traders analyze markets, execute trades efficiently, and track performance, directly impacting daily earnings.
Tax Implications for Traders in India
Trading income in India is subject to taxes, which reduce net earnings:
· Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG): Profits from stocks held for less than a year are taxed at 15%.
· Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): Profits from stocks held for over a year are taxed at 10% (above ₹1 lakh).
· Business Income: If trading is your primary income, it’s taxed as per your income tax slab (up to 30% for high earners).
· Other Taxes: STT, GST on brokerage, and stamp duty apply.
For example, a trader earning ₹10,000 daily (₹2.5 lakhs monthly) in the 30% tax slab might pay ₹75,000 in taxes monthly, reducing net earnings to ₹1.75 lakhs.
Common Myths About Trading Earnings
· Myth: Trading guarantees quick riches.Reality: Most traders lose money initially, and consistent profits require years of practice.
· Myth: You need huge capital to earn big.Reality: Even with ₹50,000, disciplined traders can earn decent returns through compounding.
· Myth: Trading is like gambling.Reality: Trading is a skill-based activity when approached with strategy and discipline.
Conclusion
So, how much do traders earn in India per day? The answer depends on capital, experience, strategy, and market conditions. Beginners might earn ₹100–₹1,000, intermediate traders ₹1,000–₹10,000, and professionals ₹10,000–₹1 lakh or more on good days. However, trading is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Success requires education, discipline, and risk management.
If you’re considering trading, start small, learn continuously, and use reliable platforms like Zerodha or Upstox. Stay informed about market trends, taxes, and regulations to maximize your earnings. With the right approach, trading can be a rewarding journey in India’s vibrant financial markets.
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